Bersatu will lose ground with foot-dragging over PN, says analyst

Political commentator Asrul Sani warns that Bersatu faces growing risks of losing influence and support if it remains tied to Perikatan Nasional (PN). Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin's decision to keep the party in PN could further isolate it from evolving Malaysian politics. PAS has severed ties with Bersatu, while Wawasan effectively serves as the Islamic party's favored Malay nationalist partner.

Asrul believes Bersatu must sever its connection to PN and forge a new identity, as staying risks weakened grassroots morale, further defections, and electoral uncertainty. Leaving PN would allow Bersatu to redefine its role, explore fresh alliances, and concentrate on states where it has a realistic chance of election success. However, remaining in PN would leave the party politically irrelevant and vulnerable to multi-cornered contests without a clear partner.

Muhyiddin's next move could disrupt PAS's electoral plans, but Bersatu should not rely on such tactics, as they would waste time and resources without securing a viable future. Bersatu must present a credible vision beyond Malay affairs, as both PAS and Umno have established roots and identities that limit Bersatu's appeal beyond Malay voters.

Muhyiddin's actions hint at personal grievances, but leaving PN without a broader strategy would only alter Bersatu's position without addressing its fundamental identity and purpose. PAS has already excluded Bersatu from PN-Barisan Nasional seat negotiations for the Melaka state election, and the party lost all 22 contested seats in the Negeri Sembilan polls, while PN and BN secured a combined 35 out of 36 seats.